Wilson County Negro Extension Agent Cecil A. Spellman did not stint. His two-part 1939 Annual Narrative Report is a 146-page treasure chest whose nuggets create a finely textured view of rural African-American life just before World War II — home demonstration, community entertainment, school improvement, test farms, engineering activities, tobacco work, gardening, corn-growing, meat-cutting, 4-H clubs, camp, spelling matches, Negro Health Week, projects, spotlights on people, houses, and schools — including photographs — and more.

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Spellman spoke highly of State Subject Matter Specialist W.R. Laws, who visited the county to deliver talks and demonstrations to women, such as making articles from fertilizer bags; making window screens from tobacco cloth or wire with denim bindings that could be buttoned to windows; and making fly traps. Spellman attached photos of Laws at Williamson and Jones Hill Schools.

Spellman then turned his attention to the pressing need for a permanent home demonstration agent for Wilson County, reporting that county commissioners had finally agreed to fund such a position. He credited the Women’s Civic Club of Wilson for their advocacy, specifically naming Mrs. H.L. Daniel, Odell Barnes, Mrs. Freeman [Willie Hendley Freeman?], and Mrs. William Hines [Ethel Cornwell Hines]. “These women were aided from the rural end” by Mrs. R.L. Mitchell [Ellenora Manley Mitchell], Mrs. K.R. Mitchell [Martha Taylor Mitchell], Rosetta Farmer, Rena Hilliard, Mrs. Charlie Ruffin [Henrietta Ruffin], and others. With supportive husbands in tow, women packed commissioners’ meetings in support of their cause.

Unfortunately, matters did not proceed as smoothly as hoped. As Spellman cryptically explained, “The beginning of extension work in the county on the home agent front was not as pleasant as it might have been due to several unfortunate ‘misunderstandings.’ Under different circumstances the work could have gotten off to a better start. As it turned out I was maligned and embarrassed and others, some innocent, also suffered as a result. The matter for a time threatened to split the community. For a time I regretted my little part in the movement to obtain a home agent in the county. Matters have now become ‘more or less’ adjusted.'”

Annie B. Brown was appointed home agent from June 1 to September 1. Jane Amos Boyd succeeded her as permanent agent on September 1, 1939.

North Carolina County Agent Annual Narrative Report, Wilson County, N.C., North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, UA102.002, Special Collections Research Center at N.C. State University.